Family Child Care homes are registered by the Erie County Department of Social Services. Family Child Care providers may care for up to  to 6 children dependent on the ages of the children. In addition, they may care for 2 school aged children.

 

 

Group Family Child Care providers may care for up to 10 to 12 children dependent on the ages of the children. An assistant to the provider must be present. In addition, they may care for 2 school aged children. They are licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).

 

 

Child Care Centers

 
Child Care Centers are programs licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). Children are grouped by age. There are group size limits and adult to child ratios which must be maintained.

   

School Age Child Care

 

These are programs licensed by the Erie County Department of Social Services. They provide care for children before/after school and during holidays and vacations. There are group size limits, age groupings and adult to child ratios which must be maintained.

 

Informal Care

 

Informal or Legally Exempt providers care for up to two children in a residence. This is unregulated care, not registered or licensed by the Erie County Department of Social Services or the Office of Children and Family Services.  


Private Child Care in Your Home

Private child care includes nannies, au pairs, and babysitters who come into your home to care for your child. This type of care is not regulated. For more information, download our private child care resource booklet or contact us.

It is easy to use our online search for child care. It only takes a few minutes to get a list of child care providers in your area of choice.
 

For personalized help in accessing referrals to child care programs, contact us.